On another matter, King Wei called on the state government to share the profit of its government-linked companies (GLCs) with Sarawakians.

He told reporters here during a press conference at DAP service centre that the Sarawak government should follow the example of the Selangor Pakatan Rakyat government.

"The Pakatan Rakyat government has given out RM100 vouchers to senior citizens under the 'Jom Shopping' scheme and that has cost them about RM7 million," King Wei revealed.

He said the wealth of GLCs belonged to the people and its profit should therefore be shared fairly with the people.

King Wei, citing from an annual report of Sarawak Energy Bhd, a Sarawak government's GLC, said its profit in 2007 was RM337 million but decreased to RM276 million and RM217 million in 2008 and 2009 respectively.

"Even though the profit has decreased, the profit is still a huge amount, but the director's remuneration increased every year as reported in the report. The policy of Sarawak government is to benefit the cronies of Barisan Nasional, rather that the people at large," he said.

He would be going to Balai Ringin today (Sept 6) with a few members from Kuching to attend the annual general meeting of Balai Ringin DAP branch.

"There would be a briefing on the preparation for the coming paliamentary election," King Wei said.

He would also meet Sri Aman DAP branch chairman Leon Jimat Donald.

King Wei said from there his entourage would move to Simanggang to meet voters and then to inspect Sri Aman hospital.

"The BN government had announced it would improve the facilities of the national hospital before the last state election but until now nothing has happened. This is urgent – I urge the government to do it soon to benefit needy patients," he said.

MIRI: Barisan Nasional (BN) will not be flying the white flag here although it lost the two state constituencies of Pujut and Piasau during the last state election.

Instead, Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water Datuk Seri Peter Chin said BN Miri would make every effort to strengthen its machinery to win back the people's support.

"We accept the loss of Pujut and Piasau seats during the last state election. However under the BN spirit of 'People First, Performance Now', the loss would not stop us from continuing to serve the people there," he stated in his address during Hari Raya Aidilfitri visit to Kampung Tanjong Batu, Pujut Padang Kerbau at An-Nur Mosque yesterday.

The Miri MP assured the people in the two constituencies that their welfare and interests would continue to be taken care of.

"BN Miri – SUPP, PBB, SPDP and PRS – has never closed its doors to any needy people.

"If you encounter any problem, don't be afraid and just come forward because we believe that you still have full faith in BN," he remarked.

In view of the general election, which would be called anytime from now, Chin advised BN's election machinery to be ready and in full alert as BN could not afford to lose Miri parliamentary constituency.

"The coming general election is the biggest challenge for us. We should stay focused and be all out to defend the parliamentary seat for greater progress," he added.

Later, Chin announced minor rural project grants of RM2,000 each to the village mosque committee, village safety and development committee and the neigbourhood watch committee (RT).

Sibuti MP Ahmad Lai Bujang also announced the same amount of grants under his MRP allocation to the village for the same purpose.